CM – Krunal Pandya needs to be a versatile hitter to have a long-term T20 career: Sanjay Manjrekar

The Mumbai Indians did not make a full start to the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL), nor did Krunal Pandya. The all-rounder couldn’t deliver with the bat or the ball against Chennai Super Kings as MI suffered a 20-point loss. While most bowlers in Mumbai were economical, the left arm spinner was taken to the cleaner. He conceded 27 points in just two overs as CSK rocketed to a competitive total.

With the bat, he exhausted himself after scoring just four of five balls. In fact, senior Pandya hasn’t been able to do much in the first half of the season either. In seven games, he only scalped three wickets in addition to scoring 100 points. With the 30-year-old not having contributed significantly, former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar believes the Mumbai Indians should assess his role in the squad.

“I think the Mumbai Indians should start watching Krunal Pandya if he contributes enough to the team’s cause. In the last game, when there was a collapse, it was important for someone like Krunal Pandya to give the order to catch up a bit what Ruturaj Gaikwad did for Chennai, ”Manjrekar said in a speech. speech on Dafa News.

The cricketer turned commentator also believes the southpaw needs to focus on his stick if he is to extend his T20 career. Apparently, Manjrekar advised Krunal to be more of a versatile hitter. « That’s the expectation and I think if Krunal Pandya is to have a long term T20 career, he has to be more of a versatile hitter than a versatile bowler, so the focus could be on him, » he added.

Krunal has indeed been an integral part of the MI team since his debut in IPL in 2016. He even played a central role in taking the party to win up to three IPL titles. However, his performances have been below par lately and the same has raised questions about his place in the XI.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have blown hot and cold into this year’s IPL somewhat so far. They have won four of their eight games so far and would like to put on a better show in the remaining competition. The defending champions will next face the Kolkata Knight Riders at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, September 24.